Why do I need to get a root canal? Why can't antibiotics help?

Question

The dentist said i have an infection and I need a root canal. Why can't i just take some antibiotics to clear up the infection? :-(

Answer 1

Well, if an infection is caught early enough, the Dentist will treat it with an antibiotic that can stay in the canal. He or she would leave the tooth open to let the infection drain, then close the tooth. But, if the infection didn't get treated early enough when it began, it could do more extensive damage. But still, I would think that the tooth could be treated with an antibiotic for a longer period of time, then close up the tooth. Personally, I would get a second opinion. I've had my share of bad dentists that want to take an aggresive approach. I finally found a conservative Dentist to tries less invasive treatments first. If you ask another Dentist and he or she tells you that the infection damaged the area so badly that you need a root canal, then go ahead and get one. Good luck to you!

Answer 2

The antibiotics will clear up the infection but it will come back and when it does come back the infection is worse than before. The nerve of the tooth is infected so that is why the root canal is needed. This is the best option. The only other option would be to have the tooth extracted and have an implant done to replace the missing tooth. Good Luck and I hope that you feel better soon.

Answer 3

The infection has invaded into your tooth, and there's no way to get antibiotic into the center of your tooth. Your tooth is going to start causing you a lot of trouble if you don't disable the pain center of the tooth before a crisis point (abcessing or moving of the infection into your jaw bone).

It's not that bad having a root canal. I have very poor teeth, soft enamel. I can't count the number of root canals I've had. In all but one case, the tooth was sore the next day and feeling normal from then on.

You'll be okay, I promise!

TX Mom
Not an expert

Answer 4

As the pulp in your teeth become infected, they die, so the inside of the tooth becomes hollow. That hollow space is a place where a bunch of bacteria can develop and hide. They will keep coming back if you don't get the root canal operation.
I had to get a root canal twice. The first time was totally painless, but then i switched dentists and the second dentist wasn't as good.
If you have any more question about root canal, you should check out the link in my source. It's pretty cool and explains everything.

Answer 5

Once you need a root canal your tooth is too far gone. "So they go up in there and kill the tooth,i.e. a root canal. The tooth will be built up so U won't loose it and no more pain. They use antibiotics when there's an infection, they can't work on a tooth until the infection is cleared up first.

Answer 6

Because the infection has spread too far. You can take antibiotics, and it will help for a few months maybe, but the infection will just return and you could end up having the tooth extracted. Untreated infections can kill, too.

Get the root canal! Don't let it go untreated.

Answer 7

I've had two root canals and they aint that bad. maybe your infection has spread into the roots so antibiotics wont help. Good Luck

Answer 8

The antibiotics only help the symptoms they do not treat the cause of an infected tooth. It is kind of like putting a band-aid on a dirt-ingrained cut, until the dirt and debris are cleaned out it will continue to cause you problems

Answer 9

Antibiotics cannot clear up your condition. The nerve is causing you pain most likely. I've had at least 5 root canals.
Make sure you are seeing a qualified specialist.

Answer 10

Anti-biotics wont kill the nerve,and as far as infection you can't stay on Anti -biotics for a prolonged period of time .when you need them for another Malady they will be less apt to work also this is how immunities to Anti- biotics are created.